Solarforce 700 lumens

[0037ksm]

OK, so I just ordered the Solarforce 700 lumen Cree light off ebay. Of course, after the fact, I'm checking the forum for comments. How big of a mistake did I make?
Chris

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy 0037ksm, and welcome to CPF,
Well, it's quite possible that you will end up with a very usable, bright light. Of course, it's also possible that it will stop working after a week, month, or year. Sometimes those types of lights can be a bit hit or miss as to whether you'll get a winner or a loser.

Luckily, you've found a place where you can learn how to maintain, troubleshoot, and even fix your new light yourself.

Just to get you started, here are a few flashlight review sites that you might find interesting:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/buyers_guide.htm

http://www.cpfreviews.com/

http://flashlightnews.org/

And of course be sure and check out the review section right here on CPF.

Probably of special importance is that you become familiar with the type of batteries that I believe that light uses. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries require special care when handling, charging, and using.... so be sure and read up on those here:

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/

So, just start reading, and pretty soon your new light will arrive, and you will be all ready to light that sucker up! Enjoy!

 

[Gunner12]

Is it possible to provide a lint to this particular light?

Also, Is it anything like the Tri-Cree lights on Dealextreme or Kaidomain?

:welcome:

 

[Derek Dean]

Is it possible to provide a lint to this particular light?

Also, Is it anything like the Tri-Cree lights on Dealextreme or Kaidomain?

:welcome:

Gunner12, I think he's referring to this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Solarforce-3Out...yZ106987QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Jay T]

From the Ebay ad.

Output: 1 x Q5 CREE Bulb 300 Lumens ~ 2 x Q5 CREE Bulb 500 Lumens ~ 3 x Q5 CREE Bulb 700 Lumens.

They claim that using one emitter will get you 300 Lumens! WOW!

Doing a search for the term "solarforce" will find a review of this light equipped with 3 SSC P4 leds though still rated at 700 lumens. There are some beamshots with other lights, do you think that looks like 700 lumens?

 

[LukeA]

That looks exactly like the DX/Kai lights. Don't expect it to be the greatest thing since sliced bread and you'll be alright.

 

[0037ksm]

I received the light yesterday along with the charger and 2 batteries. No packaging for the light. It was bubble-wrapped and placed in the shipping box with the charger and batteries. After ensuring a good charge, I loaded it up and took it out for comparison with my other lights.

I'm actually OK with this light. It's certainly nowhere near the claimed output of 700 lumens, but it is noticeably brighter than my MRV (claimed 210 lumens); it throws a little farther and with a lot more spill. If the MRV really was 210, the Solarforce would be 250-300, in my very subjective guestimate.

The build quality is good. No imperfections in the finish and the clickie engages smoothly. The pieces screw together easily with no noticeable gaps. The flat surface at the top of the reflector seems to have a lot of scratches but that doesn't affect the beam quality.

It's a little large, as I knew it would be. Too big too put into a jean pocket (unless you're trying the impress the ladies oo: ) and almost too big to fit into a large parka coat pocket.

I'm not crazy about the user interface. As you operate the switch, you add another led until you start over with one. That's fine. What I don't like is when I turn it on, it progresses to the next setting from whatever it was on when I last used it. I'd prefer it always started with the high beam. Or the low beam. Or even the middle beam. Just some consistency so when it comes on, I know how many leds are lit without having to look and see.

It's too soon to tell about battery life or how well the light will hold up over time. If it poops out prematurely (whatever I determine that to be), I'll post a follow-up and let you know what happened.

 

[lightinsky]

How on earth is that 700 Lumens? Doesn't make sense to me. If you take 3 230 Lumen cree drop ins and put them next to eachother that doesn't mean it is now 700 Lumens. All it means is you have got 230 Lumens spread out in three places causing a wider beam. Just my thoughts.

 

[SaVaGe]

How on earth is that 700 Lumens? Doesn't make sense to me. If you take 3 230 Lumen cree drop ins and put them next to eachother that doesn't mean it is now 700 Lumens. All it means is you have got 230 Lumens spread out in three places causing a wider beam. Just my thoughts.

You are 1000000% correct! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
some people are mistaken by having for example, 3 100 lumens light and think they have 300 lumens total

 

[LumenHound]

You are 1000000% correct! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
some people are mistaken by having for example, 3 100 lumens light and think they have 300 lumens total

SaVaGe, you are the one who is mistaken. 3 emitters outputing 100 lumens each does add up to 300 lumens in total.

Perhaps you are thinking that 300 lumens should "look" 3 times brighter than 100 lumens to your eyes?

The Solarforce 700 is likely producing about 400ish lumens out the front end after you take into account the light losses from the less than 100% reflective coating on the reflectors and the less than 100% light transmission of the lens.

 

[jasonsmaglites]

this is actually correct!
the only time 3x 100 lumen lights isn't 300 is if the battery cant push full power when drained three times as hard and maybe can only push out 250 from that "300 lumen light"

but battery power not a factor, 3 100 lumen bulbs IS in fact 300 lumens.

 

[Ryanrpm]

It makes sense....if I'm following you guys. A simple test would be like this: Take 3 identical flashlights at whatever lumens....point one at a wall. Then turn the second one on and point it at the same spot on the wall. Do the same with the 3rd, and notice how the spot got brighter???

Hmmmmm.

I hope I'm not totally off my rocker

 

[johnnymceldoo]

I wonder if this light is in fact using Q5's. I bought an ultafire with 3 P4 crees and its pretty bright. Its advertised at 500 lumens and is brighter than my Tiablo. Quality exceeds my expectations for a $45 light.

I wish they would make one that dimmed all 3 lights instead of using 1, 2 and 3.